Down Time

My time here at Camp Spann is starting with a bit of free time. Our Afghan friends have travelled away for a week and we are left without anyone to train. So what do I do with my free time you ask?

As far as work is concerned, we have developed what we like to refer to as a fluid training plan. It seems that trips like this are common and we are often at the mercy of their schedule, so our plan will probably not pass the reality of our environment. Never the less, we have tried to create some structure to guide us. At this point, I am extremely eager to work alongside our new friends and to assist them with their duties.

Away from work, I have started my workout routine again. I have set a goal of running a marathon when I return to the states, so there will be plenty of treadmill time and running the .65 mile circumference of the camp in my future. For now I am easing into things with just a few miles a day followed by some strength training. I've also tried to get my diet under control because I was going hog-wild on the desserts and other treats that seem to accumulate in every office on this camp. All of those care packages from home are providing ample opportunities for me to fatten up, so here's to will power!

When I am not in the gym, I spend time waiting to use one of the dozen computers provided in the MWR tent. They are not fast and the Internet seems to have the speed of a dial-up connection, but I can usually check Facebook and update my blog without too much trouble. We only have two work computers that six of us have to share, so accessing my official email is sometimes difficult. Unfortunately, the government network has blocked any of the "fun" websites but it is another avenue of communication to family and friends, so I don't complain too much.

There is a separate game-room with a pool table, ping-pong table, and a couple TVs for playing video games. Typically, this room is very busy and loud, something I am not the most comfortable with, so I am not a regular customer just yet.

Without much else to do, I have been spending most evenings with a movie before falling asleep. I have some random ideas about how to use photography to help pass the time but I haven't committed to any single project just yet. One idea is to start a self-portrait series, which seems to be most promising at this point. I am fortunate enough to work with an Army Sgt. who shares the same passion, so I hope to learn from him before he leaves.

At this point, anything is possible and I am trying to think of other creative avenues to pursue. I even brought my graphite pencils and sketch paper to try and dabble a little more in drawing. Anything that helps to pass the time and keep my little brain occupied will be useful over the next six-months.

Keep checking back for progress on my quest to stay occupied and to hear a little more about another day in my life.

Tea Time

So, I left off in the middle of a tiresome journey to my final destination. I was fortunate enough to catch the first flight possible to Kabul, where a hot shower and comfy bed welcomed me. Our time at Kabul was filled with briefings on our mission. The powerpoint was short as our mission brief was more theoretical than practical.

My team's mission is to mentor the Afghan National Army 209th Corps Public Affairs Office. Basically, teach them writing, photography, video, and media relation skills. We are part of the second wave of training teams sent to each operational region in the country. Of note: this is an Air Force led operation. Along the way, we will also have a smaller role in mentoring the Afghan National Police as well but our primary focus is on our Army partners.

After our brief we caught a flight to Mazar e Sharif where we stayed at the German run Camp Marmal. I have to say that if I ever get the chance to go back and hang out for a day or two, I would do so willingly. They have such a great set-up at their camp that it almost seems like you are in a small European village. Complete with a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, and great facilities, I found it hard to actually leave when our convoy finally arrived the next day.

A quick, bumpy ride later, I finally made it to Camp Mike Spann. I was amazed at how opposite my new location was to the German's camp. Everything here is only a stone's throw away from each other. I was given the grand tour and was extremely surprised to find it had only taken us about five minutes to complete our journey. Needless to say, this place is tiny without any of the amenities that have graced me along the road here.

My room consists of 6x10 area inside, what are affectionately known as, B-huts. I have a bed, make-shift desk, and wall locker. Nails protrude from the wall creating hanging areas for all of my gear and clothing. I hung a towel to block the light that remains on all hours of the day because my "wall" doesn't continue all the way to the ceiling. I was fortunate enough to have a power outlet in my area, which powers my laptop. There isn't any Internet outside our office or morale tent, so my laptop is quickly becoming a glorified movie screen.

The nearest bathroom/shower facility is at the end of my row of B-huts, but a port-a-potty nearby keeps me from making the journey all the way down in the middle of the night. You never realize how often you have to get out of bed to use the restroom in the middle of the night until you have to get fully dressed to go use it. Thankfully, it isn't so cold that I can't wear shorts for my short comfort break.

Today we ventured over to the Afghan base that we are attached to and met with our Afghan partners. Despite the lengthy courtship that we were told about, we quickly befriended our counterparts and were immediately showing family pictures and laughing over many cups of chai tea. We were even treated to lunch at their dining facility where I had some of my favorite rice from a trip to the country two years ago. I don't know what it is about the rice here, but I can't get enough of it. I wasn't so sure about the meat on my plate, but I sampled and pushed the rest around the plate enough to appear that I had eaten more than I actually did.

Overall, we had a very productive first meeting and I am looking forward to helping our new friends tell their own story to the media and the world.

Continue to check in on just another day in my life.

Slow Progress

As I type this post, it has been over a week since I left the U.S. Deploying has all sorts of adventures that await you as you do your time, and the most evident hurdle is always travel. Why you ask? Because travel is both the first and last thing you do, and hence, the most memorable. Not only is it memorable, it's a nightmare that wakes you in your sleep many months after the event has passed.

If you've ever tried to travel during inclement weather, you know the pains of thinking you are leaving only to be turned away at the last minute. Military travel uses that model as their preferred method of getting us into and out-of our deployed locations. Regardless of the fact that you know what's coming, the pain is never any easier to deal with.

To compound the issues of waiting for travel, which up to this point has taken a total of seven days just to make it part way, you have the fun that comes with waiting at each location. Since I have nothing else to do at 1 a.m. I will share some of these joys with you.

1. Living conditions in the transient tents: The norm for missing your flight results in the luxurious accommodations of a transient tent with hundreds of your closest friends. These perks include, but are not limited to, the complete lack of social graces, odors that are basically indescribable, long walks to the shower and bathroom facilities, and living out of a backpack for more days than you are packed for.

2.Emotional roller coaster: Trying to conquer the hurdle of travel tests every ounce of patience and people skills in your inventory. After dragging your five, less than light, bags to the terminal, it is an absolute morale crusher to find you are no longer able to board your flight due to weather or another unit with a higher priority. For those of you not in the military, you should count your infinite blessings that won't have to deal with the repetitive affects of this torture.

3. Free time: Who doesn't enjoy relaxing with nothing more to do than whatever pops into your mind? Well, I don't! Maintaining your sanity with endless hours in one location becomes a futile effort in expectation management. Typically, when you do find something that you assume will kill a few hours, you are dealt a serious blow when the activity only lasts a fraction of the expected time and was much less entertaining than you hoped it would be.

To sum it up, traveling, has been, and will be, the least favorite aspect of deploying. Thankfully, I have this blog to use as a sounding board so that I may keep my cool under pressure.

On second thought, I HATE IT...yep, HATE IT!!!!!!

Ahhh, now that feels much better.

See you next time on another day in my life.

New adventures

OK, I don't want to get into the habit of posting every other day because I realize this will be a trend I won't always be able to keep up, but with so much time on my hands, I am drawn to do something constructive with my time.

Since my last post I have made it as far as Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan. You probably won't find this on a map but you could find Bishkek, which is the capital and largest city. The base shares the city's airport and is now my temporary home while we await travel into Afghanistan. Our trip here brought us through Iceland, Germany, and Romania, yes - that is four countries in less than 24 hours. Unfortunately, we only got off the airplane in Germany but it was a welcome break after all that time on the aircraft.

Now that we are here, I am reminded how much I actually enjoy being at Manas. As far as transient bases go, this place is like comparing the Bellagio to a Motel 6. Despite the sleeping accommodations, this place has it all: wireless internet access, cafe, massage parlor, great food, fantastic gym...you definitely won't want much else when you're here. I am extremely jealous of everyone that works here, especially considering this location counts as a deployment for them.

Sometimes the amenities of a "super-base" are overlooked by their inhabitants but one trip outside your comfort zone to some of the Forward Operating Bases will make you appreciate your creature comforts. During my last deployment, I travelled all over Afghanistan and had a first-hand look at what some of my other brothers and sisters in arms have to endure. Let's just say, I really appreciate the times I have the pleasure of enjoying these indulgences.

So, what do I do with all of your free time and many options...mostly I just veg out. Relaxing in between the headaches of getting from one place to another is the one time I get to sit and gather my thoughts. While gathering my thoughts today, I realized that I am finally deploying - seems very surreal considering the rest of the drama I've had this deployment cycle.

Stay tuned for the next installment of another day in my life.

Heartbreaks and Headaches

I said goodbye today.

Saying goodbye is sometimes an awkward experience for me. I'm sure you are all familiar with the tearful farewells filled with deep sorrow. I recently experienced one of those when leaving Illinois - as healthy as it is, it isn't something you try to recreate everyday. Leaving my own family this morning was another of the awkward experiences however.

Despite the obvious hurt that comes with a parting of ways, I am always filled with the desire to be the strength for my family. It is all a lie! Watching my wife fight back the tears, probably because she too wants to be strong for the children, is a gut wrenching experience. I held her. Looking at my daughter's desperate eyes, I can see she knows the imminent separation is at hand. I smile, make a joke, and hide the pain. My son seems to wear the impregnable attitude of a teenager with ease, but I know that may be what I miss the most about him. We both smile. I lied by not wearing my sadness with honor. For the record, my heart broke this morning and I hate it.

As if I needed something to keep my mind occupied, I was quickly re-introduced to the adventures of deploying. For my non-military family and friends, deploying is like watching "Alice in Wonderland" - anything is possible. This deployment began with the cancellation of prior deployments, required training, and multiple date changes.

The hits didn't stop there, however, because today my guns didn't make one of my connecting flights. This caused a lengthy stay at the terminal waiting for the next flight, just a "few" hours later (baggage claim people speak in a weird time language). The airline was more than gracious with their $7 dinner comp, which almost covered half my dinner at the only open restaurant.

Not to be outdone, the military flight planners had overbooked my flight out in the morning. I was told I could keep "one bag of importance" and the others would "find me" (military airport workers speak in a weird "we act like we care" language). After trying to condense my two bags into one and saying the inevitable goodbye to the bag that I don't believe I will ever see again, I finally made it to the hotel. Staying in the hotel is, in itself, an adventure because it's time away from family that seems completely unnecessary.

Instead of grieving, I thought I would use my blog as a therapeutic tool. I fear this may happen frequently over my time away, so be prepared for the occasional vent, rant, whine, complaint, who knows - I might even say something nice every now and then. Stay tuned to see how the other flights and convoys that will bring me to my final destination go...I am betting on many more adventures. : )

Change of Plans

A quick update for everyone on the status of my deployment. Before I get into that, however, I would like to rehash the events of this year's deployment saga. Knowing all the facts will help you enjoy the real fun of being in the Air Force in 2009.

Sometime at the end of February I received an email warning of the impending deployment cycle. It had the usual information about keeping training current and updating anything that would preclude us from being deployable. I took the email as a chance to make phone calls and try to "pick" a location and time that was beneficial to the family. My only real note of importance was to try and avoid going back to Kabul, Afghanistan (this is important).

After some phone calls, it looked like I had secured a deployment (#1) to Iraq for October. A month later or so I was surprised to see a notification for a different deployment (#2) leaving in June to Afghanistan. Several phone calls and emails later I was told the June deployment was cancelled and that I was back on for my October vacation.

My deployment to Iraq required some high-speed "Army" training and I headed out to Wyoming for a two-week lesson in being a soldier. Training went as any other typical Air Force run training event - established schedules, spoon-fed blocks of instruction, cool exercise at the end, etc. I had some fun and met some cool people that I stay in contact with courtesy of Facebook. One problem though, two weeks before I was supposed to leave, my deployment was cancelled.

A cancelled deployment, what's not to like right? Well, in today's military a cancelled deployment lasts about a week before you are hit with another. True to form, I promptly received another deployment (#3) embedding with an infantry unit in southern Afghanistan. If you are savvy at all on the "non-tourist areas" of Afghanistan then you will know that the south and eastern portions are major no-go areas for your next family vacation. Additionally, heading out on Army patrols isn't a skill I am well versed in at the moment. I have to be honest and say I was a bit nervous about this trip.

Remember that Iraq deployment and training? Yep, it didn't cut it as the type of training required for this new deployment. I don't have to spell out the drama of the new training course in New Jersey - just read the other posts in this blog. Do you also recall what happened when I was two weeks away from my last deployment? Well, the Afghanistan deployment got cancelled just 10 days before my departure - what a coincidence.

Wahoo right? Nope, it took a whopping day for me to get tagged with another deployment (#4) to Afghanistan. This time I have some aspects in my favor, such as the fact that I have already done the "short" and "long" training classes, which means no more training. I will also be home for the holidays with my family and that is simply priceless in my book! There was a negative of course, remember that note about not deploying to Kabul? Oh yeah, that is where I am headed...well, kind-of - stay tuned for an update to the actual location.

So, here I sit with a couple months before I leave on my fourth scheduled deployment for the year and all I can think about is what changes lay in wait for me next. Needless to say this deployment cycle has been filled with tons of fun, and I am actually excited to deploy so I can get it over with...finally.

Thank you to everyone for their support throughout this process. Family and friends alike have all had words of encouragement or been a sounding board for me at one point or another, so thank you very much for your time and compassion.

Stay tuned, I just may have other posts before my deployment...you never know what could happen next.

A moment of clarity

Yesterday marked our final day of convoy training. While the classroom and rehearsal portion of training weren't exactly riveting, the last two days of hands-on were a lot of fun. Learning how to handle yourself, and if need be - your vehicle, in a convoy is a very worthwhile task if you ask me. In the middle of our exercise, I had a few minutes of sobriety - let me explain.

My role during the exercise was to be the gunner in the rear Humvee. After strapping into the extremely uncomfortable gunner's restraint, I wedged myself into the turret ready to roll. Our mission was simple, drop off some supplies to an Iraqi Police Station. After receiving some other pertinent information and a safety brief, we started to roll out.

Along our route we encountered a vehicle that was on our list as "suspicious." The red truck pulled behind our convoy and I tried to persuade the vehicle to back off. After a couple attempts at maintaining a safe distance, the vehicle dropped the hammer and started closing on our convoy. My decision at this point was easy - safe to semi and fire (military slang for shooting). I was surprised at how quickly I could blow through 30 rounds with my M4. A quick note: No, we do not use our rifles for gunner positions in vehicles - this was just an exercise. Despite my quick response, the exercise required that our vehicle take the hit, so we reacted to the simulated explosion.

An instructor came up to our stopped Humvee and handed me a casualty card with a photo and description of my injuries. Training took over as our crew immediately went into the "gunner down" battle drill. I was pulled from the turret and ended up in the lap of the remaining crew member. Combat life saver training was then put to use as my injuries were assessed and treated. While all of this was happening, the radio chatter was filled with information relating to my injury and a medevac was requested. By now my head had been bandaged, airway secured (simulated because I didn't want that NPA in my nose), and saline-lock established (simulated also because of the instructor input, although I could have used the fluids).

This is where I began to ponder my situation and what the training was meant to prepare us for. The bandage on my head and face had covered me completely - blocking my vision, which left my mind to wander. I thought about the scenario - had I reacted correctly? I thought about our battle drills - were we quick enough? I thought about our communication - had all of the information been passed? My injuries had left me unable to communicate, so aside from the occasional response to ensure the bandage wasn't choking me or cutting off blood flow, I was supposed to sound hurt and eventually go into shock.

I continued to play the role but my mind still wandered. I thought about the injury - what other steps need to be taken? I thought about myself - how would I react to someone laying in my lap? Yes, we've been having fun with some of the training but this is what we were training for - responding to an enemy force. Don't be fooled, however, training is preparing us for the worst of what will happen when we struggle to do our best.

Arriving at the landing zone brought my mind out of it's pondering state and I was pulled to a simulated helicopter. Unfortunately, I missed out on the rest of the exercise but learned that our convoy had done well overall. Despite my small, mental glimpse of reality, I enjoyed the training and appreciated our instructor's efforts at preparing us for deployment.

On a separate note, we've finally reached week five of training. I would complain about the fact that I haven't had a day off yet but it has brought me through all of this training very quickly. I am extremely excited to have a "pass" for half the day Friday and even more excited to get on a plane Saturday morning.